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FATHER MATHEW C. GEORGE
REFLECTIONS ON MY DECISION TO BECOME A PRIEST

1. His life as an altar server and child and his experience in Catechism classes
2. Fr. Mathew first joins the seminary at age 15.
3. His early years in the seminary, including some mischief-making
4. Fr. Mathew shares one of the most profound experiences of his life - the death of his father.
5. Academic rigor (and more mischief) in his second year at seminary
6. Fr. Mathew studies philosophy, intensive English, and made up news stories.
7. He plays the role of the crucified Christ using a poisonous tree, teaches VBS and wrestles with philosophy.
8. Struggling through a year of discernment and doubt
9. Fr. Mathew wins eating contests, tricks nuns and finishes his Philosophy training.
10. His first "regency" year of pastoral training, including buying groceries, overseeing janitorial work, and dominating on the basketball court
11. Continuing his pastoral training with a parish priest, including house visiting, teaching Sunday school, learning to give a sermon, and breaking windows playing cricket
12. Fr. Mathew enjoys the study of theology, but learns that saints are born, not out of study, but out of prayer
13. Memories of the social life of the seminary, including the rough and tumble world of seminary basketball
14. He discovers the Focolare movement and becomes involved with Children for Unity.
15. The death of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios and Fr. Mathew's involvement in the Catholic Bishop Conference of India
16. He is ordained to the diaconate and sent on missionary trips.
17. Further details of his missionary work, including his joyful encounters with children
18. Reflections on the Acts of the Apostles and the Eucharist
19. Fr. Mathew has the opportunity to tour India for 15 days.
20. The last few months at seminary, including priestly blessings
21. Fr. Mathew is ordained and offers his first Mass with more than 2,000 people present.

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